Fishburne would play FBI agent Jack Crawford, who joins the hunt for Hannibal, TVLine reports.

The role was previously portrayed by Harvey Keitel in Brett Ratner's 2002 film adaptation of Red Dragon, while Dennis Farina played the role in Michael Mann's 1986 take, retitled Manhunter.

Scott Glenn also played the part in 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, in which Anthony Hopkins famously starred as Lecter.

Fishburne's most recent TV credit was a starring role on CSI, in which he played Dr Raymond Langston from 2008 to 2011. The Matrix actor will next be seen in 2013's Superman movie Man of Steel as Perry White.

Hannibal will be written and executive produced by Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies) and will star Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale) in the title role.